Principal Heather Mutch (left) joins Bailey Palson (middle) and Nicole Downey (right) in the FASD class at Keewatin Public School.”The goal is to teach them strategies to be ready in the regular classroom, because these kids have struggled in a regular classroom environment,” Palson added.

The special class has been open for five years now, and it’s one of three in the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board. So far, there have been nine children through from kindergarten to Grade 3.

Strategies that are successful are also being shared with teachers across the board. They include self-regulation strategies that help the students settle down, so they’re more ready to learn.

The program also allows for a transition towards spending more time with other students. A special aspect to class is the outdoor education, which allows them to learn the curriculum in a different setting.